Blake Schwendiman's Blog and Blook

Chapter 17

Wednesday, 10 March 2022 – 11:00 a.m. SAST

Daniel walked quickly through the crowd in the concourses of Durban International Airport. He carried only his small duffle. He had not been in Durban for nearly twenty years. It was familiar. The warm, humid salt air and the sights and sounds were familiar. Culturally, however, things were different. The airport had changed names – it had been the Louis Botha airport when he left. The new facility was nicer, more modern, but also more politically correct. He was sure he had not seen so much signage in Zulu before.

Stepping outside, Daniel was transported back in time as he took in the sights, sounds and smells of Durban. He glanced around for a limousine service and initially saw only a line of Kombi taxis. Their drivers stood huddled in a group arguing loudly in Zulu. He turned away from the taxis and walked along the edge of the sidewalk until he found a suitable executive car service. He didn’t need a limousine, he simply knew better than to risk the suicide of Durban’s Kombis.

In moments he was seated in a comfortable leather-trimmed car, sipping a complementary glass of wine from the Stellenbosch vineyards. He enjoyed the short drive into Durban, marveling at the changes to the city. He had instructed the driver to take him to the Royal Hotel in Durban.

The Royal Hotel was as majestic as he had remembered. He had never stayed there, but he spent plenty of time in the entertainment district nearby and knew it well. He was certain that he would be able to hire the right people from this area to get his job done. After checking in, Daniel made his way down to the beach for a few hours of relaxation. The people he needed wouldn’t be found until much later.